I blame the 2007 WSOP.  They aired the final tables on ESPN last night and I watched and studied.  I was amazed at how loose the players were.  Huge raises and calls with lousy cards.  Is this how the pros actually play?

I blame Doyle Brunson's autographed book.  It cautions players against playing too tight.   I am typically a very tight, conservative player.

Of course, I blame myself.  I got married to a K-Q after the queen paired.  I went all-in.  I got called by an A-Q.   At least I made him agonize over the call but his hand won at the end.  I was making a comeback.  I'd won a couple of pots including the first hand dealt.  But it's all over now except the crying and agonizing post-game analysis.

I'm flying home tomorrow.  One more day in Vegas and I've suddenly got time to spare.  Will likely go to the cash poker tables and try for some redemption.  Maybe more pool time.  Maybe more spa time.  Sigh...

I will be back next year.  

I still had a free trip to Vegas!

Back to my real job tomorrow night,

K 

Phew!  What a day!  10 hours of intense poker.  

I started off well, winning a few hands and bringing my chip count up from the initial 20,000 to as high as 30,000.  But then my luck turned and I lost three times in a row with great cards (AK, AQ, QQ) and this decimated my chips.  After 8 hours of play, I was down to about 5000 chips.  Then I had pocket jacks, waited for a flop with a 10 high, and went all-in.  A New Yorker with K-10 called and doubled me up.  This gave me a bit of breathing room as I was back up to 13,000.  I didn't win another hand after that though.  I folded 33 and 77 and it turned out to be a wise decision - the way the cards fell I would've been out.  A lot of players will push all-in when they are short stacked and have a pocket pair.  I'd rather wait for AA.  

Speaking of AA, where is mine?  I've seen it at the table enough but never in my hand.  It really is better to be lucky than good, isn't it?  The only reason I am still alive in the tourney is the skill factor.  Next time, I hope the luck factor finally kicks into gear.  My next day of play is Wednesday which means I have more time to chill by the pool and enjoy the jacuzzis in the spa.  Tonight there is a private Pokerstars party at the Rain club here at the Palms.   Should be interesting and a great chance to see the poker greats.

The blinds when I go back are 250/500, ante 50.  You can't play for long if you don't win a hand as this will eat up the short stacks in no time.  Next hand I play will be all-in so it had better start good and stay good.

I'm happy to make it to day 2 of the tournament.  Many didn't, they were dropping like flies the last 4 hours of day 1.  It's hard not to get impatient and make rash decisions when you are tired and getting bullied by the big chip stacks at your table.  If you are interested in seeing the sharks at my day 1 table, check it out here. http://www.printroom.com/ViewGallery.asp?userid=worldseriesofpoker&gallery_id=1165395 

I've still got a chip and a chair and I know anything can happen.  I've seen some great comebacks at my table and I know it can/will happen to me also.  Just give me those aces!!!

All for now,

K 

Tomorrow is my big day, the first (hopefully) of many at the tables.  I can feel the anticipation building.  I overheard one guy yesterday who was out in the first hour.  There is always next year, he says.  I really want to avoid being like him.  

Yesterday, I went to the Rio to check out the gaming expo.  Here you can get all kinds of poker related gear (energy drinks, personalized chips, books, etc.) and meet a few stars as well.  Doyle Brunson (poker legend) was there giving out autographed copies of his latest book.  We also saw Chris Moneymaker and Michael the Grinder.  These names won't mean anything to you unless you watch a lot of poker on TV.  Today, Daniel Negranau is supposed to be there.

It is still crazy busy in Vegas for the July 4th long weekend and obnoxious, drunk people are everywhere.  I was almost sick from the second hand smoke I was sucking in and had to leave a table due to some turkey blowing smoke in my wife's face.  I can't wait for it to be banned from the casinos.  I'm surprised they've managed to avoid it for so long.  

Today, I will relax.  I'm hoping the temperature will stay below 100 degrees and I can enjoy some pool time.  I will probably go to the gym/man spa.  I did this yesterday and the jacuzzi alone was worth it. 

Tomorrow, you can call me Pokerface.

K

Hi everyone,

I arrived in sunny Las Vegas yesterday.  It is crazy hot outside!  I am staying with my wife at the Palms Hotel, courtesy of pokerstars.net.  I am registered for the world championship no-limit hold'em tournament.  The first four days, starting today, groups of 3000 people will be playing. My first day is July 6th so I have a few days left to decompress and adjust. 

I'm still managing to get some work done on my laptop.  Just started a new listing at #1-915 Glenvale Road in Esquimalt.  It is a gorgeous, 2002-built house and I'm sure someone is going to fall in love with it.  

Well, unlike any of my previous trips to Las Vegas, I'm taking it pretty easy.  I didn't gamble a cent yesterday.  Funny, how when you are staring down the barrel of a $10,000 tournament, all the other gambling seems trite.  We actually went to a movie last night, the Incredible Hulk was all the excitement we could take.

I'm treating this like the Olympics of poker and I need my body to be in the best shape it can be in.  The tournament runs for 10 hours a day.  Fatigue will make you do stupid things and your tournament life can end abruptly.  I don't mind losing, as long as I play well.  Losing because of a dumb mistake is the kind of thing you can't get over easily.

Just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone out there cheering for me.

K

Well, it has been 7 days since I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy.  I'm still bound and determined to use it to my advantage at next week's world championship poker tournament in Vegas.  I'm very optimistic.  I think I will have the best pokerface there.

My wife has been commending me on my positive outlook.  I tell her I can't sit around and cry about it - it's too hard when you can only blink one eye.

Funny thing about Bell's Palsy - it's tough to say Bell's Palsy when you have it. 

Business is going good with three deals shaping up in the last week.  901 Dunn sold after a two-month listing.  566 Gorge also sold.  And I just wrapped up a purchase for a buying client yesterday.  I may only have half a face working for me but my clients still have me working 100% for them.

Yesterday I did an open house at 92-530 Marsett Pl.  I have to admit that open houses are a real drag in the summertime.  Especially there, where my view is people playing golf and enjoying the fine weather.  I realize thay many sellers rate their agent's performance based on how often open houses are scheduled.  But, in reality, I rarely sell a property because of an open house.

Today, I started a new listing at 1010 Karen Crescent.  It is a sweet house (of course).  I'm just on my way to post signs now.  It is already generating a buzz and it has only been in the system an hour. 

No open houses for me next weekend as I will be playing the poker game of a lifetime.  I've decided to play the coolest game possible and show little or no emotion.  It should be only be half as hard as normal since I will only have to control the half that can show emotion.  People sitting to my right will have no idea what I'm thinking.  People on my left may have a better read.  Hopefully I can control the rest of my fidgeting body. 

Shirle George will be in charge of my business in my absence.  My phone number will be forwarded to her so clients can simply dial my number.  I can still be reached by email while I am away. 

I will be updating this blog as the tournament progresses.
The saga of Pokerface will continue...

K

On June 1st, I won a seat at the World Series of Poker Championship playing poker online for $85.  The tournament starts July 3rd in Vegas, my $10,000 buy-in and travel expenses are paid.

 
On June 23rd, I became Pokerface.  Shortly after lunchtime, my wife came home and only half my face could smile.  It had only happened moments before she arrived and I was a bit shocky from the realization that something was dreadfully wrong. She immediately drove me to the hospital.  I thought I was having a stroke - basically writing my epitaph in the car.  I was clinging to the fact that both my arms and legs were still working normal.  I told my wife how to get the money for the poker seat and take me out of the tournament if she had to.  I worked at the hospital for a long time in my past and I've seen some of the worst things that can go wrong with your health.  I was scared I wasn't coming back.  

I cleared my work schedule as quickly as I could and as best as I could.  We arrived at Emergency and had to suffer through the wait of triage.  My facial paralysis was getting worse, coming on in with waves of pain in my jaw and ear.  I'd been feeling pains since Thursday, booked a doctor's appointment on Friday, waited as it got worse until Monday, and ended up with paralysis an hour and a half before I was booked to see my doctor.  About 20 minutes later I saw the triage nurse, or rather the triage nurse saw me and did some quick tests.  The first thing he told me - it probably wasn't a stroke.  He thought it was Bell's Palsy.  This was great for getting my blood pressure down. But then we had to wait, and wait, and wait. My wife and I knew a few things about Bell's Palsy but not much.  But after over three hours waiting, it was confirmed. 

Life can turn on a dime.  It's precious and you must nourish each moment to its fullest.  Today, I'm back at work looking at sweet homes.  I really do love realty and really hated being in the hospital, everytime I go back it is confirmed.  I made a decision to decrease the amount of time I spent feeling bad and increase the amount of time feeling good.  It helps me get through this so called life. 

So now I've really got a Pokerface.  This should be interesting.  At the moment I find it quite embarassing.  Although I'm talking okay, to me it feels like a huge speech impediment.  The smile is weird, kissing is way off, straws are out of the question.  But it's what I've got to work with.  It can only be fate.  It must be to help me win this tournament.  I'll have some fun with it.  Let's see if I can freak out some young punks at the tables or throw them off their game with an evil grin.  Try to tap into the sinister side and keep them scared while I take their money away.  Got to look at the brighter side.  

I am really looking forward to this tournament.  I love watching the hold 'em tournaments on TV and I look forward to seeing the poker stars that will be there.  This is a world championship game and I'm going for it, Pokerface and all.  Wish me luck.

K 

Please note the change for this upcoming openhouse.

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, May 31, 2008, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 530 Marsett Pl , in Royal Links in Royal Oak, Victoria. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Townhouse for sale in beautiful Royal Oak.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Royal Oak Townhouse for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at #250-217-5091 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Kevin Ramsay
Vancouver Island

We are proud to announce that this Monday, May 26, 2008, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 530 Marsett Pl , in Royal Links in Royal Oak, Victoria. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Townhouse for sale in beautiful Royal Oak.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Royal Oak Townhouse for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at #250-217-5091 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Kevin Ramsay
Vancouver Island

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, May 24, 2008, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 8843 Langara Pl in Dean Park, North Saanich. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Single family home for sale in beautiful Dean Park.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Dean Park Single family home for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at #250-217-5091 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Kevin Ramsay
Vancouver Island

I just sold this Single family home at 3266 Megaw Pl, Victoria, BC .

View this recently sold Single family home or see all my home sales

I just finished uploading this Single family home for sale, 8843 Langara Pl, North Saanich, BC

Quality, turn-key ready house on a tranquil cul-de-sac in Dean Park.. Newly remodeled kitchen with oak cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Adjacent family room with gas fireplace. 26' long living/dining area with vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace. 3 bedrooms on upper level including master bedroom with huge walk-in closet and ensuite featuring double sinks, deep jacuzzi tub, and separate shower. Double garage attached. Beautiful landscaping with underground sprinklers, patio, and veggie garden. Must be seen!

We are proud to announce that this Saturday, May 10, 2008, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 901 Dunn Ave in Swan Lake, Victoria. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Single family home for sale in beautiful Swan Lake.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Swan Lake Single family home for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at #250-217-5091 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Kevin Ramsay
Vancouver Island

I just finished uploading this Acreage for sale, 104 2006 Troon Court, Langford, BC

Spacious one bedroom plus den in stylish Stonehaven, schedule to complete construction by Oct/08. Investor alert - weekly rentals allowed! Ground floor unit with terrace, "Barrow" scheme, that faces the mountain golf course and the 18th fairway. Units at Stonehaven will have access to Highlander amenities (pool, fitness room, private theater, grande hall) for $55/mo + GST (price subject to change). Assignment of sale. Price does not include GST. www.stonehavenatbearmountain.com for more details. Visit Bear Mountain Office at 2050 Country Club Way to view finishings.

I just finished uploading this Condominium for sale, 203 2940 Harriet Rd, Victoria, BC

Tired of worrying about leaky condos? This 1-yr-old, contemporary complex is built with electronic moisture sensors and excellent soundproofing. Located 1 block from Gorge Rd, this 2 BR suite features 2 full BA and in-suite laundry. The kitchen has ample cabinets and an open concept that overlooks the LR and DR. Ground level with a tiled patio big enough for your patio set and BBQ. Not enough? Then bring your coffee to the common property rooftop garden and enjoy the views of Sooke hills.

I just finished uploading this Single family home for sale, 4190 Interurban Rd, Victoria, BC

Very large family home on 12000+ sq. ft. lot. Potential to convert lower level into a suite (kitchen already in place, incl. 220V for stove). Three level house with large deck and wrap around patio on second level plus a balcony on the third level. Main level: Tiled entry, separate entrance for suite (could be shared laundry), huge family room with propane stove, additional kitchen with plenty of room for dining, full bathroom, storage area (easily converted to another bedroom). Second level: Large living room with custom stone fireplace mantel and propane f/p. Lots of windows and bright, natural light. Kitchen with ample cupboard space, patio doors to huge deck. Three bedrooms, including master with custom, built-in dresser, and two bathrooms complete this level. Third level: This has the bedroom that everyone will fight for. Large space with dormer-style roof but high enough that no heads are banged, 3 pc. bathroom, private balcony overlooking the backyard. Fenced backyard awaiting the green thumb. Ample frontage and a mature hedge for privacy and noise reduction. Single carport plus a long driveway with lots of room to turn around before you touch Interurban road. This is a great house! Call now for easy viewings!

I just finished uploading this Single family home for sale, 92 530 Marsett Pl, Victoria, BC

I just finished uploading this Single family home for sale, 6777 Central Saanich, Victoria, BC

Solid 1970's home in the heart of Central Saanich ... 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, bi-level, 1985 sq. ft. on a huge 12,000 sq. ft. lot. Main level has 3 bedrooms plus a comfortable Sun Room c/w skylights and covered deck. Large living room with gas fireplace. Lower level has an 1 bedroom in-law suite with a large living/dining area and a big kitchen. Laundry room and workshop area complete basement. Hardwood floors on main level (need to be re-finished). Enormous, fully-fenced backyard has a variety of fruit and nut trees (2 peach, 2 grapes, pear, plum, 4 apple, and 2 hazelnut) plus a veggie garden. Close to all amenities. A great find.

I just finished uploading this Single family home for sale, 901 Dunn Ave, Victoria, BC

Bright home with upper/lower 2 bedroom suites. Hardwood floors and coved ceilings throughout living room and master bedroom. Big kitchen with patio door to large back deck and fully-fenced, south-facing backyard. Gas hot water, stove, and BBQ hook-up. Basement has separate entry 2 BR suite with a partially finished kitchen (concrete flooring, no stove). Large bedrooms, shared laundry, secure storage room under deck. Located on a quiet street in a great neighbourhood. Don't miss it!

I just finished uploading this Single family home for sale, 566 Gorge Rd W, Victoria, BC

A rare chance to own a historic property with one of the finest views of the Gorge waterway. Built in 1920 by David Herbet Bale, this house has been improved but the classic style has not been comprimised. Updates include kitchen with stainless steel appliances, tiled floor and backsplash, newer roof, newer gas boiler, perimeter drainage, electrical and plumbing upgrades. Classic features such as fir floors, solid doors, stained and leaded glass windows, and much more. Entry level has 27' long living area featuring a stone fireplace (wood burning), kitchen, dining/media room, breakfast bar, and access to back deck. Upstairs has large master bedroom with a fantastic vantage point for the view. Large second bedroom (11x14') and a roomy, updated 4-piece main bathroom. Basement has a spare bedroom, laundry area, and 700+ sq. ft of unfinished space. Generous 9720 sq. ft. lot with fully-fenced backyard, deck, veggie garden, and a separate cottage suitable as a guest room, office, or workshop. Single car garage and ample driveway parking. Just steps from the walk along the Gorge waterway.

Hello!

For those of you who don't know me well, my professional background is health care. I worked as a respiratory therapist for 14 years, operating life support at B.C. Children's Hospital before moving here to work for VIHA. Many of you would be unable to imagine what I've seen on the front lines in the Emergency Room or Intensive Care Units. Our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and everyone in the health care system deserve an incredible amount of respect and support for the job they do.

Eventually I'd had enough of hospital life and went into real estate. It was an odd career change for many of my old colleagues to comprehend. I'm not pushy, I don't have the salesman's greasy grin, and I'm really honest! One friend told me not to worry, that eventually I would learn to sell ice cream to an Eskimo. Don't worry, I won't go there...

I was certain real estate was the right choice because I knew how much stress was associated with buying and selling. And I am very comfortable talking to people and relating with them during these stressful periods. It's important to know how to speak to someone and make them understand important issues when they are emotional.

Just today I had to listen to a client vent her frustrations with the last two offers on her property that have collapsed due to buyer financing woes. I made her feel better and restored her faith that her house will sell. Yesterday I had another client upset about things missing from her newly acquired property (plants, etc.). It is not unusual for clients to call and voice their stress about something. It is my job to listen, calm them down, answer their questions, and take care of them.

Caring.  That's what it is really about, isn't it?  This is the strongest attribute I have taken from my previous profession into my new career. And I think it will set me apart from the rest.

K